“(Harvey’s) development and future are independent of our needs in 2012,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday. “I think it’s more likely than not that he’ll pitch in New York some this season. It just won’t be Saturday at Citi Field. It could be shortly after that. We want to make sure when he starts his major-league career, it’s an auspicious start.”

The prospect allowed two runs over 6 2/3 innings in the 101-pitch effort against Toledo. He’s 7-4 with a 3.34 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 19 starts. Those are nice stats, not eye-popping, and Alderson wants the youngster to get some more seasoning in the minors.

Still, it’s just a matter of time.

“If he’s in our plans for next year, he ought to be pitching here sometime this season,” Alderson said. “That just makes sense.”